New Jersey Leave of Absence for Teachers allows educators in the state of New Jersey to take time off from work while protecting their job security. This policy enables teachers to attend to various personal and professional needs without risking their employment status within the education system. There are several types of leave available for teachers in New Jersey, including: 1. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) — Under FMLA, eligible teachers can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period to care for a new child, deal with a serious health condition, or support a family member with a serious health issue. This leave ensures job protection and continuation of health benefits. 2. Paid Sick Leave — New Jersey's paid sick leave law entitles teachers to earn sick leave at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked. This leave can be used for personal illness, medical appointments, or to care for a sick family member. 3. Personal Leave — Teachers in New Jersey are entitled to personal leave, often referred to as "personal days," which can be used at their discretion for non-medical reasons such as personal or family events, emergencies, or professional development. The number of personal leave days available may vary according to the district's policy or collective bargaining agreement. 4. Jury Duty Leave — Teachers are allowed to take leave to fulfill their civic duty in serving on a jury. 5. Military Leave — In accordance with federal and state laws, teachers who are members of the military or reserves can take leave for military training or deployment without penalty and with job protection. It is important for teachers to familiarize themselves with their district's policies regarding leaves of absence, as each district may have specific guidelines and procedures to follow. Teachers should consult their employee handbooks, collective bargaining agreements, or reach out to their school's human resources department for detailed information on how to apply for and utilize the appropriate leave options available to them.